x Senecurio kleiniiformis is a magnificent blue-green hybrid succulent with leaves that are shaped like antlers.

Its leaves are blue-green and triangular shaped. They will change shape and size with the amount of light that they receive – stretching in the winter months and thickening in the summer months (in the temperate climates of Western Europe).

Its pale yellow blooms attract butterflies at the end of summer and early fall.

This species is drought tolerant and fire resistant, but it cannot survive frost

👨‍🌾GARDENING TIPS👨‍🌾: x Senecurio kleiniiformis

• • ❄️ Does not appreciate the frost – so do make sure to bring them inside during the frosty months.
  • ☀️Extremely drought-tolerant and loves the sun.
  • This in turn means that they hate moist soil > keep the soil dry
  • Looks great with Kalanchoe pumila, Sedum morganianum

Learn more about how to care for your x Senecurio kleiniiformis:

• • FR: Entretien des x Senecurio kleiniiformis

  • ENG: Caring for your x Senecurio kleiniiformis

The Tale & The Botany: x Senecurio kleiniiformis

Senecurio × kleiniiformis is a hybrid species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae, known for its ornamental and ecological value.

It has a complex taxonomic history: it has been variously placed in the genus Senecio as Senecio × kleiniiformis or in Kleinia, but recent studies suggest it is a hybrid between an unknown species of Curio and Senecio tropaeolifolius.

Initially, it was classified as Curio × kleiniiformis, but in 2020, the hybrid genus Senecurio was created specifically to accommodate it.

🌸 Floral Morphology

Senecurio × kleiniiformis is characterized by triangular, blue-green leaves, which give it a sculptural, architectural appearance in gardens and containers.

Its pale yellow blooms appear at the end of summer into early fall and are particularly attractive to butterflies and other pollinators, enhancing local biodiversity. I have not seen them yet, but I’m hoping that as they mature we’ll manage to catch a glimpse!

The plant’s overall growth habit is compact, making it suitable for rock gardens, succulent arrangements, and xeriscaping.

🌱 Reproductive Biology

Senecurio × kleiniiformis reproduces both sexually via seeds and vegetatively through cuttings, a common strategy among hybrid succulents.

Its pale yellow blooms are hermaphroditic, containing both male (stamens) and female (carpels) organs, and they attract pollinators such as butterflies and bees, which can facilitate seed production.

However, in cultivation, vegetative propagation is far more common, as cuttings from stems or branches root readily under warm, well-drained conditions. This method ensures that desirable traits of the hybrid—such as drought tolerance, leaf shape, and bloom color—are preserved.

The plant’s vegetative reproduction allows it to form dense, spreading shrubs, providing architectural interest in gardens or containers and ensuring rapid establishment in xeriscaping or low-water landscapes.

Seed production, while less commonly used in horticulture, contributes to genetic diversity and can be important in breeding programs or experimental hybridization.

🌍 Ecology & Adaptations

This species is highly drought tolerant and fire resistant, making it ideal for low-water landscaping in Mediterranean or semi-arid climates.

It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade, and it is best planted in areas where temperatures remain above freezing, as it cannot tolerate frost.

Its hybrid nature contributes to a resilient growth habit and reduced susceptibility to pests compared with some pure Senecio species.

Its drought tolerance and fire resistance make it a sustainable choice for xeriscaping and climate-resilient gardens, contributing to water conservation and biodiversity in cultivated landscapes.

South Africa